Wound Healing

Poor circulation can lead to skin changes on the feet and legs, including sores — also known as venous ulcers — and nonhealing wounds.

If left untreated, these wounds can cause serious complications like gangrene or even limb loss. After tissue dies, doctors must remove it — sometimes through total amputation.

Your UPMC wound healing specialist will work with a multidisciplinary team to suggest the best treatment based on the cause, location, and severity of your wound.

What Is Wound Healing Care?

Wound healing care provides comprehensive treatment to restore circulation for people with nonhealing wounds — with the goal of promoting healing and reducing the risk of related complications.

What conditions do you treat?

Vascular surgeons treat conditions that cause poor circulation and contribute to poor wound healing. They also work with other medical experts to address underlying health conditions that may result in slow-healing wounds. Health conditions that may cause nonhealing wounds or ulcers, include:

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — Occurs when the veins in your legs don’t function properly and can lead to pooling or ulcers.
• Diabetes — Diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the blood flow required for healing.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) — PAD may cause poor circulation, which can prevent wounds from healing.
• Varicose veins — Can cause venous insufficiency, which slows down wound healing.
• Trauma — Damage caused by a traumatic accident can result in non-healing wounds.
• Pressure ulcers — Areas where skin and tissue are damaged by constant pressure over time.
• Diabetic neuropathy — Nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to nonhealing wounds on your feet.

Who’s eligible for wound healing care?

You may be eligible for wound healing care if you have a nonhealing wound or ulcer.

What Wound Healing Services Do You Offer?

UPMC wound healing experts offer a range of treatments, including:

• Compression therapy — Stockings or Unna boots offset the pressure in the veins in the legs and allow venous ulcer wounds to heal.
• Transparent dressings — A clear, plastic-like film is applied over the wound, and a compression stocking protects the wound bed.
• Hydrocolloid dressings — Dressings applied over ulcers promote healing and may help remove nonliving tissue from the wound (debridement).
• Growth factors — Medicines applied to the wound may help promote healing.
• Wound debridement — Minor surgery can remove any nonliving tissue around the wound.
• Vacuum-assisted closure — Continuous suction to the wound bed may promote healing.

What Can I Expect From Wound Healing Care?

Our team includes vascular surgeons, wound care experts, and other medical specialists. They will create a comprehensive plan to manage your nonhealing wound and reduce your risk of complications.

Before your visit

To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:

• Name, address, and contact phone number.
• Insurance information.
• Relevant medical records and test results.
• A referral, if required by your health insurance company.

If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.

During your visit

You'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant when you arrive for your first appointment. He or she will ask about your medical history and examine your nonhealing wound.

We'll give you a:

• Complete education session about proper wound care and treatments.
• Tailored patient education packet for you to take home.

Your wound care expert will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had your wound, your condition, and your health history.

Together, we will design and agree on a care plan.

Your care team may also:

• Order tests to learn more about your nonhealing wound.
• Schedule a procedure in the office or the hospital to care for your wound.
• Provide in-office care, such as changing your wound dressing.

During and after your treatment

Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to check how your treatment is working. You should contact our office if:

• You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
• You have any other concerns about your condition.

How Do I Sign Up For Wound Healing Care at UPMC?

To make an appointment, call 1-855-876-2484.

Your UPMC wound healing experts

Our wound healing team includes experts in vascular surgery, wound care, and other medical experts. We’re here to provide you with the best care and treatment to help you live a healthier life.

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Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.